By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 12: The non-functional Baljek Airport in Jengjal has turned into a preferred venue for musical programmes rather than serving its intended purpose, lamented Dadenggre MLA Rupa Marak.
Speaking to media persons here, Marak expressed doubts over whether the airport’s long-pending expansion work would ever take off. He pointed out that although the state government had signed an MoU with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) earlier this year, no work has been initiated so far, even as the government continues to claim that the airport will be made functional by April next year.
Miffed by the neglect, Marak noted that the airport—once inaugurated by the former President of India—has remained abandoned for years and has failed to serve the public.
Slamming the government for its inaction, he said that despite repeated appeals from NGOs and the public highlighting the importance of operationalising the airport, the state government has not taken the matter seriously.